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Traction System Parts

Friction Wheel
32222, 18915, 14806 (741316)

This friction wheel used in all known Gilson friction drive
transmissions is most commonly listed as Gilson # 32222 and can be ordered below
The same part is also known by Gilson numbers 18915 and 14806 and LawnBoy/Toro # 741316. The OD (new) is 6 inches and the steel core has an OD of 5-1/2 inches. There is a 1/4 inch of rubber when the wheel is
new. If you are running a 3 or 4 speed UniTrol unit that has never been torn down I suggest you consider renewing the Final Drive Reduction Bushings listed below.

This friction wheel is also used in the Super-8 Tractor, PowerBolt Log Splitter and certain tillers.

UniTrol snowblowers use a 2 stage gear reduction to provide high torque to the tires. The gear train that performs this function consists of some very heavy duty gears, see the patent sketch on the right. They are what make that whirrring sound when you push the machine around. They have been very trouble free for decades. What I am beginning to see with UniTrols all being over 30 years in age is wear in 2 small bushings that the countershaft gear assembly rides on. This is the large gear cluster to the right of the patent illustration and in the middle photo to the right. When these bushings wear the gears do not run true. Additionally the gear and shaft will now wear steel on steel and before long the damage is such that new bushings alone will not repair the machine. For this reason I am suggesting that when replacing the friction wheel owners consider installing 2 new bushings if they have never been replaced. At the same time you will be able to clean that final drive case which tends to accumulate sand and grit over time. The gear train will sound real nice when you are done. If demands of the season do not allow time for this project consider doing it in the off season.

This bushing is also used on the the labyrinth seal single speed friction drive impellers.

These bushings replace Gilson #11547 (LawnBoy/Toro # 7033730). They are shown on the right and are sold in pairs.

These are the axle bushings used on the 3 and 4 speed UniTrol machines. The OD is oblong to prevent spinning in the housing and the ID accommodates the 3/4" axle. The original part was of sintered (pressed metal) construction and is not practical for small scale manufacturing. We have created a direct replacement with a CNC machined high strength aluminum shell and a synthetic liner chosen for the application. The shell is anodized to stand up to the environment. They may be used individually or in pairs. These are direct replacements requiring no modification. Save $5. when you buy a pair and the pair ships as 1 item for further savings. Be sure to use the pull down menu above the "Add to Cart" button to get the pair price.

In addition to outright breakage this part eventually wears upward allowing the axle to come in contact with the friction wheel. This will cause the friction wheel to wear prematurely and can also make the transmission lock up. If you have been making do with worn parts this is your chance to get your unit in tip top shape for more decades of enjoyment.

If the spacer washers between the axle bearings and wheels are lost, corroded or damaged replacements may be ordered below.

This part is obsolete as an OEM item but we have them available as a reproduction part. This item replaces Gilson part number 14725 which became LawnBoy/Toro number 703613.

In Stock for Immediate Shipment

$45.00 or 2 for $85.00
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

Quantity

3/4" Axle Bearing Spacers / Spacer Washer
1230 (700809)

These washers are found between the axle bearings and wheels on many models with 3/4" axles including 3 and 4 speed UniTrol models. They are Gilson #1230 (LawnBoy/Toro # 700809). They are sized to match the original parts and stamped from stainless steel to be corrosion resistant. 2 Per side is typically the original complement, they come in sets of 4. A pack of 6 is also available if you want to be prepared to take up any freeplay from wear and tear.

This part was discontinued as a new item many years age but I do have good used axles available for sale. In order to create a pool of gears to provide for future replacements I am requiring a "core charge" on the old gear. If your need is immediate you may pay a core charge for immediate shipment. If you have time you can order an axle and I will ship the axle when I recieve your old gear.

If you need a # 14742 axle for one of the earliest UniTrols that have the wheels pinned on the inboard side please contact me directly about that part.

Returning the gear: When you order an axle assembly with the "Ship when my core arrives" option I will contact you with my shipping information. When returing your gear you only need to cut the shaft short enough to fit in your package. Please do not grind the weld. For the fastest turn around a USPS Priority Mail Flat rate box delivers in 2-3 days for a reasonable fee. If time is not critical standard parcel services are fine. The package should ship as 5-6 pounds.

Be sure to pack the gear so it is protected in the package. Gears must return suitable for re-use.

If you prefer to send your core first select:Ship when my core arrives
(This reserves an axle assemby for you)

Core Handling Preference

UniTrol Axle SHAFT ONLY
To Repair: 18729 (741284)

If you are want to remove your gear and get the welding done locally you may purchase the machined shaft, ready to accept your gear. Two small drill points guide the positioning of the gear and a new roll pin is included.

In stock for immediate shipment
$60.00
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

And now the rest of the story......When I placed the order for these parts I forgot that the last drawing I sent to the machine shop was preliminary. That being said I was bummed out when I first examined these parts and I set them aside. When I had cause to revisit these parts I was pleasantly surprised to realize that while not a faithful reproduction they are functional repair parts. Click here to view the discepancies before buying. As a thank you for taking this small leap I have reduced my mark-up on these.

These bearings support the friction wheel hexagonal shafts in the 5 speed Friction Drive machines. When these bearings wear the friction wheel will not traverse parallel to the drive platter resulting in irregular speeds, poor shifting and excess friction wheel wear. It can also lead to drive chain derailment and damage to the chain and sprockets. If neglected the hex shaft will be damaged and the chassis bearing support holes can be damaged. They have been discontinued as factory repair parts. The OD is oblong to prevent spinning in the chassis and the ID accommodates the hexagonal shaft that the friction wheel traverses. These bearings duplicate the original oil impregnated sintered bronze parts. They may be used individually or in pairs. These are direct replacements requiring no modification. Save $2. when you buy a pair and the pair ships as 1 item for further savings. Be sure to use the pull-down menu above the "Add to Cart" button to get the pair price.

Early models of this design call for 1 each of part numbers 209295, 218538. Latter, the shouldered version (209295) became the common part, which was designated 705548 by LawnBoy/Toro.

Original Hex Shaft Bearings
218538 & 209295

209295 Hex Shaft Bearing
Replaces 218538 & 209295

In Stock for Immediate Shipment

$23.25 or 2 for $45.00
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

These are the axle bushings used on the 5 speed Friction Drive machines. The OD is oblong to prevent spinning in the housing and the ID accommodates the axle. The original part was of sintered (pressed metal) construction and is not practical for small scale manufacturing. That material was also prone to breakage. They have been discontinued as factory repair parts.
These bearings were used in 2 sizes for 3/4" and 7/8" diameter axles. Wear or breakage can lead to drive chain derailment and damage to the chain and sprockets. If neglected the axle will be damaged and the chassis bearing support holes will become distorted and fail.

These replacements feature 1018 steel housings with zinc finish and the same liner material used in UniTrol axle bearings for years. They may be used individually or in pairs. These are direct replacements requiring no modification. Be sure to select the correct size according to your parts list and machine. Save $4. when you buy a pair and the pair ships as 1 item for further savings. Be sure to use the pull-down menu above the "Add to Cart" button to get the pair price.

5 Speed Friction Drive 3/4"Axle Bearings
211386 (705715)

In Stock for Immediate Shipment

$31.50 or 2 for $59.00
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

Quantity

Original Bearings
211386 & 209298

5 Speed Friction Drive 7/8"Axle Bearings
209298 (705550)

In Stock for Immediate Shipment

$32.00 or 2 for $60.00
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

Installation is done by placing the ring against the shaft end with the grip fingers pointing outward and pressing the ring down the shaft with a socket or other tool until wheel contact is made. Do not press them on too far, they are not reversible. Be sure the klix pins are installed on both sides before driving these on. If you ever need to remove them they can be pried or twisted free. They are single use parts; they are packaged as 3 pairs so you will have extras.

These are the Klik Pins used on 3/4" axle shaft models including 3 and 4 speed UniTrols and many 3 speed Gear Drives. Gilson part number 18909 became LawnBoy/Toro # 740889 and have been discontinued. If yours are lost, stiff or frozen these are good replacements. They all snap with a good klik. These are used parts, lightly cleaned and sold as is. The pictures illustrate the typical appearances. Contact me if your not sure this is the part your model uses. Contact me for the smaller version of this part used on 5/8" axles.

This 3/4" self aligning sealed bearing with eccentric locking collar
is used right behind the impeller on 1,2, 3 and 5 speed gear drive models
and 3 and 4 speed UniTrol models as well as the larger 5 speed late model friction drive units. If your Gilson impeller is on a 3/4" shaft this is probably the bearing supporting the back side.They commonly require replacement when the machine is 25-30 years old depending on usage.

On the 2 speed gear drive models such as shown below under "here" this bearing is used at each end of the 2 speed jackshaft.

On Unitrol models the bearing is listed as #12539 / 700542 "bearing". On
gear drive models it is listed as #10416 / 741219 "bearing asssembly, this is
the bearing and the 2 mounting flanges. In all cases the locking
collar is listed as #1426 / 701658. These are fresh genuine Timken/Fafnir bearings, just like the factory used.

More often than not there is not enough space to safely pull this
bearing out when making a repair and it gets destroyed in the
process. That being said it's best to plan on replacing it whenever
it gets disturbed.

If your flanges (12538 / 700083) have been damaged they can be ordered below.

Select 1 or 2 flanges, only 1 shipping charge applies.

Quantity

$30.00
(Bearing & Ecentric Locking Collar)
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

Final Drive Sprocket - 12 Tooth
Early Gear Drives
10496 (704184)

This sprocket commonly sees the most significant wear. It drives the larger axle mounted sprocket in 2 speed Early Gear Drive models. As such it turns a lot and is subjected to all of the water, ice, dirt and salt that the final drive chain can bring to it. Running with a deteriorated sprocket can make the chain prone to jamming and may contribute to fracturing the transmission housing if a chain jam occurs.

This part was Gilson 10496 and became LawnBoy/Toro number 704184. It has been discontinued as an OEM item. This sprocket is a drop-in replacement. It fits many common models including. GIL478A, 835, 5002 and 55002 to name only a few. Consult your illustrated parts list. to be sure but I believe this sprocket is universal to the model family. It applies to models with the Gilson and Foote transmissions.

$17.50
Plus Shipping to US and international destinations

Installed location shown in green elipse.

Roller Chain

Below you will find a table of the common roller chains used in Gilson built snowblowers. These are pitches and lengths from the Gilson illustrated parts lists.. The machine and function information is for reference only. Be sure to count your links or determine your correct part number when ordering. There may be exceptions to the reference descriptions. When in doubt contact me before ordering. Note that one part number, 207644 appears twice. If you need that number please write to me so I can match your chain to your model number.

All chains come with a master link and per Gilson protocol are included in the stated length. All pitch lengths are 1/2 inch but #40 and #41 are different widths. The rollers in #41 are 1/4" wide. #40 has 5/16 wide rollers. If you try to determine your chain length by measuring the chain be careful. On the longer chains there can be enough stretch to throw the link count off.

On machines with more than one chain I suggest replacing all chains at once. The chain drive forms a triangle and with different stretch factors it will be difficult or impossible to get the tension good for all.

If you need a #40 or #41 chain not listed here Write for pricing. be sure to include the number of pitches, including the master link and the pitch. I only handle #40 and #41. Also, there are cases where the same part number refrences both 40 and 41 pitch on different models. If the listing of your chain says "write for details" we will need to confirm by specific model number, again, drop me a note including your Gilson model number.

NOTE 1: Chain 10490 is commonly cited in parts lists as having 38 links. This is an error, 36 are required

Master & Offest Roller Chain Links

These links can be used with existing roller chains or to have as spares on hand. Nearly all Gilson Snowblower roller chains are #41 with 1/4" wide rollers. Some late model axle chains are #40 which have 5/16" wide rollers. Every chain has a master link. Only chains with an odd number of total pitches require an offset (or half) link. The #41 master link can be ordered in quantities of 1, 2 or 3 using the pulldown and the selection ships as 1 item.

All of the chains sold above come with the needed master and offest links.

Many of the 1 and 2 speed Early Gear Drive models utilized the J.B. Foote Model 35 reversing transmission. After decades of use there are a few parts that can wear to where they are a problem. Most parts for these transmissions have been discontinued but that's no reason to keep a good machine down. One such part is the #1543 42 tooth bevel gear. As a Gilson repair part this gear was #89068, latter it was LawnBoy/Toro number 705177. The common wear points are the shoulders in the internal pocket that the clutching collar engages. Old grease, poor shifter adjustment or shifter fork wear all can cause these to wear. Once the square shoulder erodes to being a slope the transmission will not provide positive drive.

I have acquired a limited supply of New Old Stock (NOS) aftermarket replacement gears for these transmissions. NOS parts may be dusty or grimy from time on a stockroom shelf but are otherwise new, never used or previously installed.

USED GEARS: I am presently out of the reworked gears. I am always interested in gears that are still good enough to rework. If you think you have something, send some pictures and I'll make an offer. I need a batch in order to get the rework done affordably so it cannot be done to order.

These shifting forks were used in the Early Gear Drive Models. This applies to the latter models utilizing the Foote 35 series reversing transmissions. Over time the fork blade can wear, the detent groves wear out or the part simply breaks. This item was discontinued as an OEM item years ago. This reproduction part is a drop-in replacement. Note that it fits the Foote 35-9 and 35-26 models used in this Gilson snowblower appplication (Gilson transmission numbers 16053 & 13840). I do not know how it will connect to other Foote applications, there were dozens.

A worn fork will allow partial or erratic engagement of the features in the gears shown above, leading to premature gear wear and failure.

I have a stock of used wheel assemblies and rims. If you have an Early gear Drive, 3 or 4 speed Unitrol, or 3 Speed gear drive there is a very good chance I can set you up with replacement wheels. This can be a great improvement if your model was equipped with semi-pneumatic tires or if a wheel got damaged. I do have a few rims for other models.

I handle these on a case by case basis. Write to me and let me know what you have. I'll see what I can offer and send detailed pictures and notes on the condition of what I have avalable and we can go from there.

The naked rims have the advantage of being lighter (economical) to ship and you can add brand new tires of your choice including some of today's tread patterns such as the Sno-Hogs if you care to.

If you have a smaller single speed machine, sorry I don't have wheels for those. My best advice is here.

Tires and Tubes

Be sure to check the sidewall markings of your tires for a
correct match before ordering!